Spartanburg County adopts performance zoning rules for new development

Spartanburg County Council adopted a Performance Zoning Ordinance on June 15, and county documents say the new rulebook takes effect July 15, 2026.

This is a land-use rule change, not a construction project. Its biggest effect should be felt when owners, builders, and businesses file new plans in unincorporated parts of Spartanburg County, where county development review still runs through local standards rather than a city-style zoning map.

What the county is changing

The county’s zoning page says Spartanburg County is operating under two zoning ordinances: the Performance Zoning Ordinance in the Southwest Planning Area and the Unified Land Management Ordinance in the rest of the county. The county FAQ says applicants in PZO areas refer to the Chart of Compatibility Standards in Section 2.3.65.

The ordinance text lays out compatibility performance standards for height, buffers, setbacks, screening, architectural standards, noise, and light and glare. It also includes road classifications and access rules, which can affect where homes, businesses, and other uses fit and how they connect to a site.

Why it matters for residents and builders

For residents, the new ordinance could make it clearer how nearby projects are judged against surrounding uses. For builders and business owners, the biggest takeaway is to check compatibility standards, road classifications, and access rules before filing new plans.

The Planning and Development Department is the place to start with questions about how the ordinance applies to a parcel, a subdivision, or a commercial site. Anyone planning a project after July 15 should expect county staff to use the updated rules when reviewing new applications.

Sources

• County Council agenda packet for June 15 vote